What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any time, and are a common household issue. They can be uncomfortable dirty, inconvenient, and messy and requires immediate attention. However, you don’t require the plumber right away. In this blog post we’ll take you through some simple steps to get your toilet unclogged within a matter of minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages can be solved with simple tools and methods like a plunger baking soda
The tools you’ll need
Before we begin it’s important to be prepared with these tools at hand:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- A Wire Coat hanger, or a Pipe Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the water supply valve.
The first thing you should do when you encounter a blocked toilet is to shut off the valve for water flow that is behind the toilet. This step ensures that no more water enters the tank during your are working to unblock it. The valve is usually situated at to the base of tank on one side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself with rubber gloves.
Protect your hands from potential bacteria or germs present in your toilet bowl by wearing rubber gloves prior to making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
A plunger is undoubtedly the most effective tool to use for clearing up blocked toilets. Begin by pressing down onto the plunger till all air is evacuated from it. then place it firmly on the toilet bowl and start plunging upwards and downwards for around 20 minutes. The suction that is created when you plunge back and forth will help remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Ensure you use a forceful but controlled movement.
- Make holes in the sinks or shower drains if close by to prevent the release of pressure as you plunge.
Step 4: Test baking soda and vinegar mix.
If you’re not able to get the plunge working you can try this other method add half a cup of baking soda and one teaspoon of vinegar inside the bathroom bowl. Let this mixture settle for 15 to 20 minutes. It will begin to bubble but when it ceases to fizz then pour boiling water down (not at a boil) to clear the blockage.
Step 5: Use a coat hanger with wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed to clear the clog, then it’s the time to employ the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Straighten the coat hanger’s wire until you have a long thin wire with a hook that is bent at one end. You can also use to use the plumbing snake that is specially designed to clear drain blockages. Put the tool in the drain hole of your toilet and twist around, twist, push and pull till you experience resistance. that’s where the blockage usually is. Gently try to break up any blockages with a back-andforth motion without causing damage to your drainpipe.
Note:
- Don’t push or pull actions as they could result in more damage.
Step 6: Restart the water supply and check the result.
Once you’ve removed any obstructions, it’s essential to turn on the supply of water in the toilet bowl. Then flush it several times to make sure the water is flowing freely!
| Tools | Description |
|---|---|
| Rubber Gloves | Hand protection from potential bacteria or germs present in the toilet bowl. |
| Plunger | Most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl and plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. |
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Mixture to use if plunging doesn’t work. Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes, then pour hot water down (not boiling) to flush out the blockage. |
| Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake | Tools to use if both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed. Straighten the wire coat hanger until you have a long thin wire with a hook bent at one end or use the plumbing snake, which is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. |
Common Questions & Answers
How do I know if my toilet is blocked?
One of the most obvious indications of a toilet that is blocked is when the water fills up to the top of the bowl after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains slowly or you hear sounds of gurgling coming through the toilet.
What should I do if my bathroom is blocked?
If you believe your toilet has been blocked, avoid trying to flush it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet and utilize a plunger and remove any blockages. If this isn’t working, call Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
Do I have the ability to stop my toilet from getting blocked?
Yes! There are several options to prevent your toilet from getting blocked, including avoiding the flushing of non-degradable things like sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool in the toilet. It is also important to avoid using oil or grease in the sink as it will cause it to solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
What is the best time to call a professional plumber to resolve the problem of a toilet that is blocked?
If you’ve tried splurging into your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect that there’s an issue in the plumbing system, causing frequent blockages, it’s the right time to call in a professional plumber, such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumber . We’ve got years of experience in dealing with every kind of plumbing issue that we can quickly detect and resolve any issues that cause disruption to your home.
Do I need to have my drains cleaned?
It is suggested that you have the drains cleaned out by a professional like Perth Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will prevent blockages and help keep your plumbing system functioning smoothly. If you regularly suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water despite making sure you are taking steps to prevent clogging the drains, then annual cleaning could be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to carry out as the majority of items are readily available in households. When facing blocked toilets before getting anxious after trying all the techniques, call Perth Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re seeking professional assistance with problems with your blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Blocked Drain Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know About DIY vs. Professionals
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: DIY Techniques vs Professional Services
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Say Goodbye to Messy Plumbing Repairs with Trenchless Pipe Relining
